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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Election Violence Victims Relief Committee, set up by Governor Ademola Adeleke to verify claims following the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, has recommended free medical care for gunshot victims and educational scholarships for the children of deceased victims.
During a visit to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH) in Osogbo, yesterday, committee members met with several injured individuals to assure them of full state support.
Among those affected was Adebayo Sakirat, who recounted losing her pregnancy when hoodlums invaded her neighborhood prior to the election, causing her to fall while fleeing gunfire.
Other survivors, including Salawudeen Kehinde and Kamorudeen Sodiq, shared harrowing accounts of narrow escapes from post-election gun violence.
UNIOSUNTH Chief Medical Director, Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, confirmed that a hospital panel had identified 15 gunshot victims so far.
“Four of them are currently receiving treatment, and we are expecting the others. Those present are already receiving care, and we will ensure they are fully treated,” Afolabi said.
Speaking on behalf of the committee chairman and Assembly Speaker, Hon. Wale Egbedun, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi revealed that the panel reviewed cases involving more than 40 families who lost relatives.
He disclosed that the committee prioritized medical aid for victims facing ongoing complications or financial hardship.
Adeyemi noted that the committee is finalizing its work and expects to submit its report within a week.
“We are in the concluding stage. We have reviewed over 400 cases, ranging from victims requiring leg amputations and treatment for gunshot wounds to individuals whose properties were destroyed,” Adeyemi said.
He added that over 90 percent of the claims reviewed were verified as genuine instances of electoral violence, with only a few unverified cases stemming from unreachable applicants.
Hon. Adeyemi said the Speaker will soon issue a full public brief once the official report is submitted, saying that the committee intends to conclude in the next one week.
